The Team delivered a strong collective performance on stage 2 of the Tour of the Basque Country, with Mattias Skjelmose finishing second after a selective summit finish at Cuevas de Mendukilo.
On a demanding 164km stage packed with climbing, an early breakaway set the tone before the peloton gradually increased the pressure across the rolling Basque terrain. The Team remained well positioned throughout the day, riding attentively to protect Skjelmose and guide him into the decisive final climbs.
As the race approached the summit finish on San Miguel de Aralar, the pace intensified and the group of favourites quickly reduced. We were well represented at the front of affairs, with Quinn Simmons setting a furious tempo in the lower slopes. When Paul Seixas launched a decisive attack with around seven kilometres remaining to the summit, no rider was able to match the acceleration, with the Frenchman riding clear to take a solo victory.
Behind, Skjelmose emerged as one of the strongest among the GC contenders. The Dane responded to the accelerations in the favourites group before launching his own move on the steepest slopes, distancing several key rivals and consolidating his position near the front of the race. Mattis led the lead group home, crossing the line in second place atop Mendukilo Kobazuloa.
(Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
From our Sports Director, Kim Anderson
Our plan in the morning was to try get someone in the breakaway but it was clear that the other teams didn't want us in there. After that it was all about taking care of Mattias and Juan and the team did a fantastic job at that. They delivered both guys in a perfect position into the big climb, up front with Decathlon, who really wanted to make it hard. Mattias was really impressive in the final so we can be very happy with that.
